Milepost, Meigle

Image: © Maigheach-gheal Taken: 28 Mar 2010

The milepost stands amongst the snowdrops beside the B954. Mileposts/stones are the original roadside heritage features with many dating back hundreds of years and these historic items are under threat from highway developments. Mileposts/stones did not come into general use until the Turnpike Act of 1766 made them compulsory on turnpike roads, these roads were built by private enterprise under licence from the Government and maintained by tolls on those who used them. Before this Act milestones were put up occasionally, often as charitable acts and commemorations. Many Turnpike Act stones still exist. They are usually 2-3 ft high, with the initial letter or abbreviation of the nearest market town show on two faces, and the distance from it. In sheltered places the snowdrop begins to flower at Christmas, and in other parts it is welcomed as one of the first signs of spring, flowering from January to March. The drooping, bell-shaped flowers have six segments - three white ones outside the flower and three tipped with a bright spot inside it. It is doubtful whether the snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is a native of Britain. It was probably introduced in medieval times from central Europe and it is rare in Ireland.

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